The very hungry lion
Gita Wolf-Sampath
The very hungry lion
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Folktale
by Gita Wolf-Sampath
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
What if a lion so hungry he could eat anything met clever animals who had their own plans? Imagine a jungle where brains outsmart hunger and every turn hides a new surprise. Can the lazy lion satisfy his appetite, or will his prey turn the tables?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated book retells a classic Indian folktale about a hungry lion and the animals who outwit him. Suitable for early readers aged 5-8, it features culturally rich Warli-style artwork printed on handmade rice paper, making it a unique collector’s item. The story explores themes of cleverness and resourcefulness in a gentle, engaging way without any distressing content.
Why we rated The very hungry lion 7C
The very hungry lion is written at a Level 2 reading level across 42 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The very hungry lion works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate The very hungry lion as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, The very hungry lion explores folklore, multicultural, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about folklore, multicultural, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9788186211021
- Pages
- 42
- Publisher
- Tara Publishing
- Published
- 1995
- Type
- Fiction